Every year at this time, NJ 2-1-1 staff is helping to ensure that the refund is not left “on the table” by answering calls for information on locations where free tax filing assistance is available. Hundreds of Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) locations are listed on the organization’s website, www.nj211.org/nj-vita-centers. “There isn’t a day that goes by that we are not sharing this information with our callers and web visitors,” says call center director, Janice Kaniewski. With the help of many community partners, including the United Ways of New Jersey, NJ 2-1-1 starts to identify these locations as early as December. “We put such effort into compiling this comprehensive listing of VITA sites, because VITA connects people with an important tax credit that they might otherwise miss out on,” continues Ms. Kaniewski.

The refund to which she is referring is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and for years it has been putting real money back into the hands of hard working citizens throughout the country. Workers who file what is known as a simple tax return to state and federal government could receive refunds from both.

The EITC is available to those who worked full- or part-time or were self-employed in 2016. Depending upon one’s income and family size, federal credits range from $506 to $6,269 and state refunds may amount to anywhere from $178 to $2,195. To qualify, you must file a tax return even if you do not owe any tax or are not required to file, and you must meet income eligibility requirements which can be found on the organization’s website [https://www.nj211.org/tax-assistance].

Gina Plotino, NJ2-1-1 board president cautions, those eligible for free tax preparation may be induced to select a for-profit tax preparer who offers refund advances. “I urge eligible earners to understand the terms. Typically, such advances are actually loans for which interest is charged in addition to cost of preparation. NJ 2-1-1 strongly encourages families to seek out IRS-certified free tax sites in their communities through NJ 2-1-1, to ensure you realize your full benefit."

In addition to providing information on VITA locations, the NJ 2-1-1 website, www.nj211.org, provides visitors with full access to the 2-1-1 resource database of over 10,000 programs and services from approximately 3,000 organizations. Web visitors will also find informative pages that provide comprehensive information like application links, eligibility guidelines and critical dates. Special sections of the site are devoted to such topics as Emergency Preparedness, Family Services, Home Energy Assistance, Utility Assistance, and Resources for the Unemployed among others.

2-1-1 is the free, user-friendly phone number that serves people throughout the U.S., connecting millions each year to critical resources, information and services. In New Jersey, more than 363,000 people turned to NJ 2-1-1 for help last year. Services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and are free, confidential and multilingual.

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About NJ 2-1-1

The statewide information and referral service began in 2002 when the United Ways of New Jersey spearheaded efforts to give people-in-need a central location to call when looking for health and human services. The Board of Public Utilities designated the NJ 2-1-1 Partnership as the sole administrator of the three digit dialing code. Statewide coverage began in 2005. In 2016 alone, the NJ 2-1-1 Partnership provided resource assistance to over 363,000 people who called 2-1-1 or visited our website. With roughly 3,000 agencies in the organization’s resource database and over 10,000 programs and services listed, NJ 2-1-1 provides the public with front door access to non-profit, government and faith-based services, as well as disaster response information. Follow us on Twitter @NJ211 and FB https: //www.facebook.com/nj211partnership/

An official ribbon cutting by members of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will mark the opening of the first-ever Sensory Trail at the Watchung Reservation and in the county.

The ribbon cutting will take place at 10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 20, at the head of the trail, behind the Trailside Nature and Science Center. The trail will be open and accessible to all and allow residents to ...

An official ribbon cutting by members of the Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders will mark the ...

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites all members of the community to a free screening of the 2016 documentary film Making a Killing: Guns, Greed and the NRA in partnership with the non-profit organization Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in New Jersey. The screening will take place on Wednesday, September 12, at 7:00 p.m. at the STEM Building auditorium at Kean University, 1075 ...

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders invites all members of the community to a free ...

Union County residents and visitors should continue taking steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites and help reduce the mosquito population.

“It has been an unusually hot and rainy summer, and we are urging residents to take simple steps to prevent mosquito bites,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “This will contribute to a healthier community and help prevent the spread of ...

Union County residents and visitors should continue taking steps to protect themselves from ...

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents and visitors to continue taking steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites and help reduce the mosquito population.

“It has been an unusually hot and rainy summer, and we are urging residents to take simple steps to prevent mosquito bites,” said Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados. “This will contribute to a healthier ...

The Union County Board of Chosen Freeholders reminds residents and visitors to continue taking ...

Looking for something fun to do after school for your teen? The Summit Area YMCA offers engaging and educational programs, special events, workshops and trips to help teens discover and explore their interests and talents outside the classroom. At the Y, we’re committed to keeping teens involved in a variety of fun activities that not only build healthy bodies, but stronger minds too!

From ...

Looking for something fun to do after school for your teen? The Summit Area YMCA offers engaging ...

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises County residents to be aware that they can access certain types of property information free of charge through the County Clerk’s website on a 24/7 basis, or by calling or visiting the County Clerk’s offices in Elizabeth and Westfield during regular business hours.

“There is no need to pay a third party for information that my office makes available ...

Union County Clerk Joanne Rajoppi advises County residents to be aware that they can access certain ...

ELIZABETH – On Aug. 2, 2018, Union County Freeholder Chairman Sergio Granados and Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage joined Union County College’s Board of Trustees Chair Victor M. Richel and Union President Dr. Margaret M. McMenamin for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the newly renovated first floor and lower level of the Sidney Lessner Building at the College’s Elizabeth campus. Also ...

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ– At the Summit Area YMCA, 7th Graders in our service area pay absolutely nothing for an annual membership thanks to the generous support of YMCA Annual Giving donors and grant support from local corporations and foundations.

7th Grade is a pivotal and transitional year for many teens. At the Summit Area YMCA, we understand this and are committed to supporting and ...

BERKELEY HEIGHTS, NJ– At the Summit Area YMCA, 7th Graders in our service area pay absolutely ...

A Body in motion, stays in motion. Engaging in an active lifestyle for both the mind and body is important, especially as we age.

The Summit Area YMCA offers a wide selection of engaging activities, programs and trips designed for active older adults. Our classes, from Duplicate Bridge to Self Defense, are geared to improve physical and cognitive wellbeing while being enjoyable and social! At ...

A Body in motion, stays in motion. Engaging in an active lifestyle for both the mind and body is ...

On June 14, 2018, the Summit Area YMCA (SAY) received a Resolution of Recognition from The Summit Board of Education in recognition for our work in providing special needs students with customized education plans to transition into their home communities. The Summit Area YMCA works with the Summit School district job coach and Special Needs Teachers in providing certain students with skills ...

On June 14, 2018, the Summit Area YMCA (SAY) received a Resolution of Recognition from The Summit ...